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Anger Management Games for Kids

Helping children understand anger and its causes is an important step in their learning to master it. Kids unable to deal properly with anger may have trouble socially and developmentally as they grow up, and it can lead to serious problems in their adult lives. Playing certain types of games may help kids identify sources of anger and cope with anger issues normally.

Out of Control
- Out of Control is a game for a group of four to 15 people, according to Gamesforgroups.com. The game's purpose is to make the players live by rules they have no control over and use the feelings they experience during the game as a basis for discussion afterward. The game is intended for kids who tend to get angry when things don't go as planned or as they want.
  
  To play the game, wrap up several small, age-appropriate prizes in wrapping paper. Get at least as many prizes as there are kids, and maybe a few extras. You will also need a pair of dice.
  
  The game will be played in two parts, but explain only the first part. Gather the children in a circle and let them take turns rolling dice. When a child rolls a double, he selects a prize (still wrapped) from the table and places it in front of him. If he does not roll a double, his turn is over. Play until all prizes are claimed.
  Now set a timer for 10 minutes and tell the players that in this round rolling a double will let them take a prize from another person. End the game when the timer goes off. Some kids will have more than one prize and others may have none.
  
  At the conclusion of the game, discuss with the children how it felt when luck didn't go their way and whether they felt out of control. Ask them whether it made them angry when they lost prizes or failed to roll a double. Find out if anyone felt angry about the game and what they did to control the anger.
Board Game Challenge
- The Board Game Challenge will most benefit children who get angry in competitive situations. Set up board games such as Operation and Jenga and have some play money on hand. The object is to play games and get awarded a set amount of play money for accomplishing a task in the game (such as $100 for removing a bone in Operation). Give money for good sportsmanship and take money for bad sportsmanship. A prize is awarded to whoever can win the most play money by the end of a set time. The prize will make the competition more intense and give the kids incentive.
  
  In a discussion following the game, ask the children how it felt if they lost. Did it make them angry or disappointed, and why? How did they handle it? And do they think that competition is a good thing or a bad thing?

Kids Games